Just in case any wayward kiteboarders happen upon this blog and are curious what kit I put together to travel with, here’s the list:
Kite – 2014 Blade Trigger – 9m
Kite – 2015 Blade Trigger – 12m
Bar – Blade Unibar 3rd gen – 50cm
Board – Nobile NHL futurism splitboard – 138cm
Harness – Dakine C-1
Leashes – 1 full length and 1 short, both Blade
Kite bag – 1 Blade kite bag (I used one for both kites)
Patch kit – I just brought what came with both kites.
Pump – 1 pump and hose
Wetsuit – HyperFlex Cyclone 2 – 4/3mm – full length
Luggage – Penguin 32in rolling duffle
My goal was to get a complete kit in a standard checked bag – to avoid the kiteboard specific sports equipment fees that many airlines are starting to charge. So far so good, all told the final weight was 48 lbs. That’s two whole pounds to spare! The Nobile splitboard fits nicely in the bottom of the rolling duffle with very little room to spare. Obviously, this kit isn’t perfect for all conditions, but I’m not entirely sure where all I’ll end up before heading home, so I’m trying to give myself the biggest range possible and stay within the checked luggage requirements of 50 lbs. and 62 linear inches, which is the standard at the time I’m writing this. I’ll write more updates about how it works out and any adjustments I have to or would like to make. Stay tuned.